Colosseum
Following a night in Orvieto, Umbria, we traveled several hours to Rome via our tour bus. We arrived around 4 PM and had some time to ourselves.
Meeting up with some fellow travelers, we strolled from our hotel to the Colosseum to see it illuminated at night. It was worth it; what a breathtaking view!
The Colosseum is an ancient amphitheater that originally hosted various games and spectacles. Fights between animals, as well as battles involving humans against animals or simply among humans, were quite common. In addition to these often bloody confrontations, there were also captivating performances by acrobats, skilled flute players, and a variety of other talented artists showcasing their skills for the audience.
The frequently brutal games were banned in 404 AD by Emperor Honorius. Today, the Colosseum stands as one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks. It is a magnificent structure that has earned its place among the New Seven Wonders of the World.
During the Flavian dynasty, which lasted from 69 to 96 AD, the Flavian Amphitheater—also known as the Colosseum—was constructed under the orders of Emperor Vespasian. This grand theater was utilized for a variety of games and spectacles, during which thousands of people and animals tragically lost their lives in these brutal and bloody contests.
In the fifth century AD, the amphitheater began to deteriorate, mirroring the decline of Rome itself. It fell victim to looting by barbarian invaders and suffered damage from natural disasters. During the Middle Ages, the Colosseum was transformed into a quarry; anyone looking to construct a building utilized its stones. Notably, some of these materials were repurposed in the construction of St. Peter’s Basilica.
When Pope Benedict XIV officially declared the Colosseum a consecrated site in the 18th century, the looting effectively came to an end. Subsequently, Pope Pius VII undertook efforts to support and stabilize the outer walls of this magnificent structure. This important restoration work was continued by later popes, ensuring the preservation of the Colosseum for future generations to admire.
Colosseum in Rome measurements:
Circumference: over 520 meters
The Facade is almost 50 meters high.
Width: 155 meters
Length: 188 meters
There are 80 Entrances
The Foundation consists of concrete, bricks and tufa.
The Colosseum accommodated more than 50,000 visitors.
The original floor was a sandy bottom, it was later replaced by a wooden floor.
We concluded our day filled with exploration and excitement as we walked back alongside other tourists to our hotel, eager to enjoy a late-night snack and refreshing drink.
